UV-Catalytic Add-On Filter for Microbial Destruction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional air filtration systems are ineffective in treating microbials such as bacteria, viruses, and gases like benzene and formaldehyde, as they fail to generate sufficient oxidizing agents to destroy these contaminants.
Innovation Solution
An add-on filter for air handling units that employs a device with a broad-spectrum ultraviolet light source and a catalytic target structure to produce advanced oxidation products, including hydroxyl radicals and ozone, which are used to kill microbes and neutralize odors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional air filtration systems are used, then the system structure is simple and cost-effective, but they are ineffective at treating microbials and gases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines traditional mechanical filtration with ultraviolet light treatment and catalytic oxidation in a single integrated device. The filter housing contains both physical filters and the advanced oxidation device with UV source and catalyst, merging multiple treatment mechanisms into one unified system that addresses both particulate and gaseous contaminants effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite material structures including catalytic coatings on substrates, combinations of different filter media, and integrated UV-catalyst assemblies. These composite structures enable the device to perform multiple functions (filtration, UV irradiation, catalytic oxidation) within a compact form factor, resolving the contradiction between effectiveness and complexity.
2Reliability
If advanced oxidation products are generated using UV light and catalytic structures, then microbials and gases are effectively destroyed, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The advanced oxidation device is segmented into distinct functional components: UV light source, catalytic target structure, and filter housing. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system effectiveness, and enables modular assembly that reduces installation complexity despite the advanced functionality provided.
3Reliability
If magnets and mounting units are added to the filter housing, then the filter can be securely mounted to the blower housing, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system uses magnetic attraction between magnets in the mounting units and the blower housing to achieve secure attachment without requiring additional fasteners, screws, or complex mechanical mounting structures. The magnetic force automatically provides both attachment and positioning functions, eliminating the need for separate mounting hardware and simplifying installation while ensuring reliable securement.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Effectively treats microbials and gases by creating oxidizing agents that destroy harmful air-borne pathogens and odor-causing substances, enhancing the air quality in air handling units.
Implementation Method 1
an ultraviolet light source for emitting a broad spectrum of ultraviolet light
Implementation Method 2
a first catalytic target structure mechanically coupled to the ultraviolet light source
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an add on filter for a packaged air handling unit, such as a heating, ventilation and/or air conditioning unit, and method incorporating an add on filter for applying ultraviolet light to an environment to create oxidizing agents for killing microbes, such as bacteria, mold, and viruses, and for destroying odors. The add on filter may be coupled to the blower housing of existing packaged heating, ventilation and/or air conditioning units. The add on filter includes an ultraviolet light source for emitting a broad spectrum of ultraviolet light and a catalytic target structure mechanically coupled to the ultraviolet light source. The system and method result in the production of Hydroxyl Radicals, Super Oxide ions and Hydro Peroxide for killing microbes.